Biodiesel
is the name of a clean-burning, non-toxic alternative fuel made from vegetable
oils that can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines. Since
soybean oil is the dominant oil produced in the U.S., the development
of biodiesel has focused around soy oil. One bushel of soybean produces
about 1.5 gallons of biodiesel.

Biodiesel can
be used in its pure form, also known as neat biodiesel, or B100. Biodiesel
can also be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel
blend. The most common mix is a 20:80 blend of biodiesel
to petrodiesel. This blend is called B20.

The name "biodiesel" was introduced in the United States in 1992 by the National SoyDiesel
Development Board (now the National Biodiesel Board), which has pioneered
the commercialization of biodiesel in the U.S.

What
is NOT biodiesel

Blends
of biodiesel and diesel fuel. Biodiesel is often mixed with petroleum-based
diesel fuel. When 20% biodiesel is blended with 80% diesel fuel, this
blend is known as B20. Some people mistakenly believe this blend is biodiesel.

Raw oils:
Raw vegetable oil cannot meet biodiesel fuel specifications, it is not
registered with the EPA, and it is not a legal motor fuel.

Ethanol-diesel
blends (E-diesel)

How is biodiesel
made?

Biodiesel is
made through a simple refining process called transesterification. The
process involves mixing methanol with sodium hydroxide, then mixing that
with an oil such as soybean oil. The final products are methyl esters
(biodiesel) and glycerine. Glycerine is a valuable material used in the
manufacture of soaps and other products.

Methyl or ethyl
esters can be produced from vegetable and tree oils, animal fats, and/or
used oils and fats.

Some advantages
of biodiesel

1. Biodiesel
fuel (B100) burns much cleaner than petroleum fuel. The exhaust emissions
of sulfur oxides and sulfates, the major components of acid rain are essentially
eliminated compared to diesel. Biodiesel is comprised of mid-carbon chains,
which burn more completely than petroleum fuel. That is why there is a
substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate
matter compared to emissions from diesel fuel

2. Biodiesel
has exceptional lubricating qualities. Use of biodiesel or biodiesel blends
have been shown to contribute significantly to the longevity and cleanliness
of diesel engines.

3. In new engines,
biodiesel fuel consumption is similar to that of petrodiesel. In used
engines, fuel economy substantially improves due to continuous cleaning
effect of biodiesel.

4. Biodiesel
is biodegradable and nontoxic when used in its pure form (B100). For the
20% and lower blends, the diesel fuel portion of the blend determines
the toxicity and biodegradability. Biodiesel fuel and fuel blends smell
better than conventional diesel - a value to those who work in close proximity
to the fuel.

5. Biodiesel
is especially promising as a marine engine fuel. As a biodegradable, non-toxic
fuel, biodiesel can help prevent damage to marine environments such as
wetlands, marshes, rivers, and oceans.

7. The
production of soy-based biodiesel has a positive energy balance (as much
as 3:1), due to the high energy value of ester-based feedstock's, the low-energy
requirements of the conversion process, and the nitrogen-fixing characteristic
of soybean.

Where to get biodiesel

Biodiesel is
available nationwide. It can be purchased directly from biodiesel producers
and marketers, petroleum distributors, or at various public pumps.